About

Choir rehearsals take place every Wednesday during term time from 7.30 – 9.00 at the Methodist Church, Limpsfield Road, Sanderstead, CR2 9EF (on the 403 bus route). Rehearsals finish by 9pm, we don’t currently break for refreshments.

In our weekly rehearsals we have fun and improve our technique with clear guidance from our musical director, ably assisted by our pianist. We are helped with relaxation and vocal exercises and are coaxed gently through passages with tricky tuning or timing.

Our repertoire consists of a wide range of songs in a variety of styles. Past songs include “Flying Free”, “Homeward Bound”, “One Day More” from Les Miserables, “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell, “Something inside so strong”, “Steal Away to Jesus” and “The Rose”. The choir have particularly enjoyed singing songs from musical shows including Mamma Mia and Les Miserables.

Traditional and non-traditional songs are sung at Christmas. Pieces are chosen so that singers feel challenged in a realistic way with songs usually in two or three parts. Each new song is introduced gradually over several weeks of rehearsals, with explanations about the song and the method of singing. Analysing the song and the dynamics within it allows for the development of knowledge of music theory.

Recorded CDs and SoundCloud links are provided to help members to practise outside of rehearsal time. The aim is that, whilst working hard, choir members should enjoy their music making and relay that joy to others in its performances. The choir performs a number of public concerts in the local community during each year and we have also taken part in the Croydon Music Festival.